SVEN-Goran Eriksson's future as Manchester City manager has taken a further twist today after it was reported that he has been approached by Benfica.

The former England manager met representatives of the Portuguese side yesterday afternoon at a Manchester hotel and is believed to have been offered £1.8million a year if he signs.

Eriksson - who has managed Benfica twice before - is expected to be sacked from Manchester City at the end of the season following reports that owner Thaksin Shinawatra is unhappy with the team's recent performances.

Rumours that his job is hanging in the balance were sent into overdrive yesterday when it emerged that Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari had been sized up as a possible successor.

Yet despite the persistent speculation, the former Thai prime minister has refused to bow to pressure and confirm whether the Swede will be part of the club's future.

Instead he attempted to rubbish the mounting speculation by claiming that no final decision had been made, but added that there would be "an evaluation at the end of the season."

Benfica are remaining coy on the possibility of Eriksson returning to the club 16 years after the first of his two spells with the Portuguese giants.

A delegation from Benfica including president Luis Felipe Vieira and captain Rui Costa, the club’s future sporting director, were filmed by Portuguese broadcaster SIC in a hotel in Manchester where the former England boss had reportedly been.

The club refused to confirm anybody from Benfica had met with Eriksson or offered him a contract.

Benfica spokesman Ricardo Maia told PA said: “We will not comment on any suggestions of a future Benfica coach now.

“Whether someone is or is not in Manchester to try to persuade Eriksson, we have nothing to say about it."